Top Events to Catch During Austin’s Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix Weekend

The long-awaited Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix will be held at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas this Sunday, Oct. 23. Beyond the race itself, there will be an array of experiences for audiences to enjoy throughout the weekend.

More than 360,00 race fans will gather to watch the exciting international sport, which experienced a rapid rise in popularity in recent years thanks to Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive.

From a diverse selection of chart-topping musical acts to upscale chef tastings and other exhilarating activities, here are our picks for different thrills to catch at COTA and all over town this weekend.

Live Music & Parties:

Green Day

Oct. 21

One of the most anticipated acts of the 30-plus artists scheduled to perform at COTA this weekend is world-famous punk band Green Day. The five-time Grammy-winning group will kick off the festivities on Friday night with an unforgettable concert at the Germania Insurance Super Stage. Prepare to be blown away with joy and nostalgia while listening to their iconic hits from the track.

Circuit Series After Parties

Oct. 21 & 22

The Circuit Series After Parties are bigger than ever before, now with two nights of fun to get your adrenaline pumping before the race. Taking place at Austin American Statesman, Friday’s lineup will feature high-energy performances from Irie, The Kid Laroi and Zedd, while Saturday will include  unforgettable DJ sets by Chantel Jefferies and Zach Bia and end with a performance by rapper and singer Post Malone.

BLEAULIVE Austin Race Weekend After Party

Oct. 21 & 22

Adrenaline seekers are invited to two nights of star-studded parties downtown at the Fairmont Austin. Headlining Friday are The Chainsmokers, who will be preceded by DJ Vice and Konstantina Gianna. Saturday’s final act will be electronic music producer Marshmello, accompanied by opening DJ Sets from Charly Jordan and DJ Shift. Aside from the main acts, these bashes will also include appearances from celebrity guests, world-renowned DJs and more than 200 models and influencers. Early arrival is encouraged.

Ed Sheeran

Oct. 22

Another star taking the main stage this weekend will be four-time Grammy winner Ed Sheeran. Music lovers can look forward to British singer-songwriter bringing his romantic soft pop sound and down-to-earth manner to audiences this Saturday night.

The Road to Las Vegas Grand Prix

Oct. 22

Taking place at Victorian-inspired lounge and nightclub Mayfair, visitors can relish in vibrant shows from Chris Lake and Deadmau5. While race fans are already gathered in Austin for this year’s Grand Prix, this event serves as an early energizer for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will be held in 2023. Austinites are invited to join in on the fun as some of the most influential names in electronic music come together in celebration of Formula 1.

DJ Diesel

Oct. 23

DJ Diesel, better known as NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, will be playing a lively curated tracklist for fans directly following the big race on Sunday. The former basketball player is performing on a lofted stage above the podium, and fans are invited to listen and groove on the tracks.

Interpol

Oct. 23

Interpol will close out the epic weekend of F1 festivities and musical entertainment. The acclaimed New York City-based rock band known for their moody sound and poignant lyrics will help crowds wind down from the fast-paced nature of the races.

Food Happenings:

Live Music and Bites at Hotel Van Zandt & Geraldine’s

Oct. 20–23

Hotel guests and members of the public are invited to join four days of F1 celebrations at Hotel Van Zandt and Geraldine’s. Enjoy a lineup of local music acts like Late Slip, Jo James, Southern Angels, Jordan Burchill Trio, Murali Coryell and Michael Hale Trio playing during delicious race day brunches and post-festivities dinners. Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable or by calling 512-476-4755.

Garrison Big Race Dinner Series

Oct. 20–24

Partake in a gourmet feast at the Fairmont Austin’s fine-dining concept, Garrison. Throughout the weekend, the hotel restaurant will offer guests an eight-course Chef’s Tasting Menu. The culinary journey will be led by Garrison’s Executive Chef Jakub Czyszczon, working in collaboration with Michelin Star-winning Chef Alfonso Caputo of Taverna del Capitano, a highly-rated restaurant based in Massa Lubrense, Italy. This elevated meal is priced at $225 for the tasting menu, plus an additional $125 for the beverage pairing.

COTA Culinary Experience

Oct. 21–23

Epicures are in for a treat with this weekend-long experience of the best food you can find in Austin, all brought to one place. More than 20 different restaurants and chefs will bring bites for the crowds, offering fans a taste of Texas. Try a selection of Texas BBQ, Mediterranean food, Venezuelan eats, nachos, ice cream, french fries and whatever else your heart may desire.

Race Fan Entertainment:

Meet & Greet with Danica Patrick

6-7 p.m. Oct. 20

Tarrytown boutique Hearth & Soul will host former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick from 6 to 7 p.m Oct. 20. The record-breaking racer will be launching her candle collection, Voyant, and autographing candles for those who purchase. Visitors will also be treated to a free tasting of wine from Patrick’s brand, Somnium.

Racing Miami 2nd Street Pop-Up

9 a.m. – 11 p.m. Oct. 19–23

Complete the weekend’s activities/attend the race while repping your favorite team with the help of a Racing Miami pop-up. Located on downtown’s 2nd Street District, the shop will be holding official Formula 1 merchandise from teams including Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, McLaren, and more. Acquire the logos for your teams to show your support this Sunday.

Hollywood Car Collection in the Park

Oct. 21–23

Cinephiles and car lovers are sure to be impressed by the display of iconic cars showcased in COTA’s infield. The Hollywood Car Collection will feature multiple memorable movie cars, including Bumblebee from Transformers, the DeLorean Time  Machine from Back to the Future, Lightning McQueen from Disney Pixar’s Cars, the 1966 Batmobile from Batman and more.

Red Bull Austin Fan Zone

Oct. 22

The first-ever Red Bull Austin Fan Zone will be held in East Austin’s Fair Market, where guests can participate in a range of racing-related attractions such as the Pit Stop Challenge, a static Red Bull Racing Car, Red Bull Racing Simulators and official Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri merchandise. Live DJ sets, local food trucks and an abundance of Red Bull cocktails will also be available. Entry is permitted on a first-come first-serve basis so be sure to RSVP here.

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